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Natural Remedies for Surgical Adhesions: Pain Relief & Support

| Modified on Nov 25, 2025
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Castor Oil

Surgical adhesions are bands of scar tissue that can form after operations, infections, or inflammation in the abdomen or pelvis.

For some people they cause little to no trouble, but for others they can lead to chronic pain, pulling sensations, digestive discomfort, or pelvic pain.

Conventional treatment focuses mainly on managing symptoms and, in severe cases, additional surgery. Many Earth Clinic readers ask what they can do at home to gently support healing and comfort without immediately returning to the operating room.

⚠️ Important Medical Disclaimer

Natural remedies may help support comfort and tissue health, but they cannot replace medical care for surgical adhesions. Sudden severe abdominal pain, vomiting, bloating, inability to pass gas or stool, fever, or rapidly worsening symptoms can signal a bowel obstruction or other emergency—seek urgent medical help immediately.

What Are Surgical Adhesions?

Adhesions are strands or sheets of fibrous scar tissue that form as the body repairs itself after surgery, infection, or trauma. They can connect tissues and organs that are normally separate—such as loops of intestine, the abdominal wall, ovaries, bladder, or uterus—sometimes limiting normal movement and glide.

Common situations where adhesions may develop include:

  • Abdominal or pelvic surgeries (C-section, hysterectomy, appendectomy, bowel surgery, gallbladder removal).
  • Inflammatory conditions (pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, diverticulitis).
  • Infections, radiation, or significant abdominal trauma.

Many adhesions cause no symptoms. When they do, people may notice:

  • Chronic or intermittent abdominal or pelvic pain.
  • “Pulling,” tightness, or stabbing sensations with certain movements.
  • Bloating, gas, changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea).
  • Pain with intercourse or certain exercises (especially pelvic surgeries).

Conventional Treatment Options

Standard medical care for adhesions focuses on:

  • Monitoring: If symptoms are mild, many doctors watch and wait.
  • Pain management: Medications, nerve blocks, or pelvic floor physical therapy.
  • Adhesiolysis: Surgery (open or laparoscopic) to cut adhesions when they cause bowel obstruction, severe pain, or organ dysfunction.

While surgery can relieve serious problems, it also creates new surfaces that may form more adhesions. This is one reason many people seek gentle, non-surgical ways to support comfort, mobility, and tissue health.

Castor Oil Packs & Topicals

This is arguably the most popular home remedy for adhesion pain among Earth Clinic readers. It is traditionally used to promote circulation, lymph flow, and gentle tissue softening.

How to Use a Castor Oil Pack

  1. Prepare: Saturate a piece of wool or cotton flannel with high-quality, cold-pressed castor oil.
  2. Apply: Place the flannel directly over the abdomen or pelvic area (never on open wounds or fresh incisions).
  3. Heat: Cover with plastic wrap (to protect clothes) and place a hot water bottle or heating pad on top for 30–60 minutes.
  4. Relax: Use this time for deep breathing or meditation.
  5. Clean: Store the flannel in a jar in the fridge for reuse. Clean skin with baking soda and water to remove the sticky oil.

Frequency: 3–4 times per week is a common protocol.

Contraindications: Do not use during pregnancy, menstruation (heavy flow), or immediately after surgery until incisions are fully healed.

Systemic Enzymes (Serrapeptase)

Systemic enzyme therapy is a cornerstone of natural adhesion support. Unlike digestive enzymes taken with food, systemic enzymes are taken on an empty stomach to enter the bloodstream and target inflammation and fibrin (the protein that makes up scar tissue).

  • Serrapeptase: Derived from the silkworm, this enzyme is widely studied for its ability to dissolve non-living tissue (fibrin) and reduce inflammation.
  • Nattokinase: Derived from fermented soy, often used for cardiovascular health and fibrin breakdown.
  • Bromelain & Papain: Enzymes from pineapple and papaya that support general inflammation reduction.
⚠️ Safety Note: Systemic enzymes have mild blood-thinning effects. Always consult your doctor before using them if you take blood thinners (like Warfarin or aspirin), have a bleeding disorder, or have surgery scheduled soon.

Gentle Movement & Bodywork

Staying gently active is often more helpful than complete rest once you are cleared by your surgeon or doctor. Movement can encourage better circulation, reduce stiffness, and help the nervous system “down-regulate” pain.

1. Therapeutic Yoga & Stretching

  • Focus on gentle, slow movements rather than deep twists or intense core work.
  • Simple poses: supported child’s pose, gentle side bends, cat-cow, and hip flexor stretches—only in a pain-free or “comfortable stretch” range.
  • Stop if you feel sharp, tearing, or worsening pain.

2. Pelvic & Visceral Therapy

  • Visceral Manipulation: A manual therapy technique where a trained practitioner uses specific, gentle forces to encourage normal mobility of the internal organs and connective tissue.
  • Self-Massage: Once fully healed (6+ weeks post-op), gentle circular massage around the scar tissue can help desensitize the area and improve glide.

Diet, Lifestyle & Supplements

While no diet can “melt” adhesions, certain lifestyle approaches may help reduce inflammation, support collagen quality, and improve overall comfort.

  • Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Reducing processed sugars, gluten, and dairy may lower systemic inflammation, which can make scar tissue less painful. Focus on omega-3 rich foods like salmon and flaxseeds.
  • Hydration: Scar tissue is dehydrated tissue. Drinking adequate water keeps fascial layers lubricated and sliding more easily.
  • Vitamin E: Often used topically on closed scars to keep skin pliable, or taken internally (under medical advice) for antioxidant support.

What Earth Clinic Readers & Other Users Report

Most Helpful Experiences

  • Castor Oil Packs: The most consistently praised remedy. Users report softer tissue, less "pulling" pain, and better digestion after consistent use (3-6 months).
  • Serrapeptase: Many readers report significant reduction in scar tissue bulk and pain after taking high-potency serrapeptase for several months.
  • Visceral Manipulation: Users who found a skilled therapist often call it "life-changing" for chronic pelvic pain.
  • Movement: "Yin Yoga" (holding gentle stretches for long periods) is frequently recommended for releasing deep fascial tightness.

Mixed or Cautionary Reports

  • Too much pressure: Deep massage or aggressive stretching too soon after surgery caused increased pain for some.
  • Enzyme Sensitivity: Some users reported joint pain or digestive upset when starting serrapeptase too quickly; starting with a low dose is key.
  • Heat Sensitivity: A minority of users felt that heat made their inflammation worse; listen to your body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can natural remedies fully dissolve adhesions?

There is no strong clinical evidence that home remedies can completely “dissolve” established adhesions like surgery can. However, many people find that supporting tissue mobility (via massage/stretching) and reducing inflammation (via enzymes/diet) can significantly improve comfort, function, and quality of life.

How long after surgery can I start these remedies?

Always follow your surgeon’s instructions. Generally: Systemic Enzymes: Usually after 2+ weeks (to ensure primary clotting/healing isn't affected). Castor Oil Packs: Only after incisions are 100% closed and scabs are gone (usually 4-6 weeks). Gentle Walking: Often encouraged immediately.

When should I NOT try to treat adhesions at home?

Seek emergency care if you have signs of bowel obstruction: severe or cramping abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal swelling, inability to pass gas or stool, or fever. Also avoid self-treating without guidance if your pain is rapidly worsening.

Natural remedies for surgical adhesions are best viewed as supportive allies—not magic erasers. Gentle movement, castor oil packs, systemic enzymes, and skilled hands-on therapy may help many people feel and function better. Work in partnership with your medical team, listen closely to your body, and make changes slowly. If you’ve tried any of these approaches, consider sharing your experience to help others on a similar path.

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Surgical Adhesion Remedies

Posted by Joanest (Maryland, US) on 11/23/2025

Why is there nothing on here about other adhesions, only abdominal adhesions? I have a serious adhesion from foot surgery. TCM had nearly healed it but I had to quit going to my TCMD when I could no longer afford it. I'm not sure how adaptable the stomach adhesion advice is to surgical adhesions.

Replied by Art
(California)
11/23/2025
2770 posts

Hi Joanest,

Four that might be worth considering for surgery related adhesions are papain, lumbrokinase, bromelain and melatonin lotion or melatonin gel.

Here is how to make melatonin lotion :

https://www.earthclinic.com/supplements/melatonin-lotion.html

You can talk to your doctor about the feasibility of possibly using an inside/outside approach such as melatonin lotion or gel applied to the foot and one or two of the supplements taken orally to work from the inside.

Why melatonin? This is what Google has to say on that topic based on animal studies :

' Yes, preliminary research suggests that melatonin may help prevent surgical adhesions by acting as an antioxidant and reducing inflammation, although human studies are still needed. Studies in animal models have shown that melatonin can significantly lower the extent and severity of adhesions after surgery. '

Melatonin lotion applied topically can allow relevant amounts of melatonin to reach higher local tissue levels directly where needed, but you can discuss this further with your doctor or surgeon or both in order to be as safe as possible for yourself.

Art

gerrithenry
(Abbotsford, BC CA)
11/24/2025

Hi Art

Great job you are doing day after day at EC.

I guess I'm in with the very Old and hardly a day goes by that I don't check the Recent Posts for decades now.

I made many small botles of ML but due to RA and previus hernias etc. they don't last very long as I Lather it on and the last 2 times I made it in 500 ml dispensor using 8 1/2 fl.oz aloe vera gel and 1 1/2 tsp. of meletonen powder.

Some times if the ML did not fix the pain I would use Red light terrapy on my rt ankle and than squert some ML in the palm of my hand and rub it on my belly and chest and go back to sleep most of the times.

I have A fib 24/7 and had an bovine transcatheter heart valve installed Jan.25 2018. Had my vit d tested and came back reading of 771 very high but ok with me. My invasive basaloid carcinoma has returned but is on the mend due to Hi dose of D3 in my opinion. Thanks to all the people on EC

Gerrit

Art
(California)
11/24/2025
2770 posts

Thank you for the compliment, Gerrit!

Thank you for the feedback on the usefulness of melatonin Gel (MG) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). I'm glad to hear that it is helping you!

On the melgel, are you also using the gin to dissolve the melatonin first? If so how many ounces?

That is an incredibly high vitamin D reading! How much vitamin D are you taking to reach that level and is that level in ng/ml?

Regarding the basaloid carcinoma, this link may be of interest to you :

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11575929/

Here is a relevant quote from the link :

' Modern lifestyles contribute to deficiencies in melatonin and vitamin D. Limited sun exposure affects vitamin D synthesis, and artificial light at night suppresses melatonin production. Both melatonin and vitamin D possess anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting and anticancer properties, rendering them potential adjuvants of interest. Studies suggest melatonin and vitamin D supplementation may address antioxidant imbalances in lip, oral and pharyngeal cancers. Moreover, promising results from breast, head and neck, brain, and osteosarcoma research indicate potential for tumor growth inhibition, improved survival, and a better quality of life of patients with cancer. The radioprotective properties of melatonin and vitamin D are another exciting area of exploration, potentially enhancing radiotherapy effectiveness while reducing side effects. For its part, the sleep-promoting effects of melatonin may indirectly benefit patients with cancer by influencing the immune system. Thus, the prevalence of vitamin D and melatonin deficiencies highlights the importance of supplementation, as lower levels can worsen side-effects from cancer treatments. The present review explores the potential of combining melatonin and vitamin D as synergistic adjuvants for cancer therapy. These agents have shown promise individually in cancer prevention and treatment, and their combined effects warrant investigation. Therefore, large-scale controlled trials are crucial to definitively determine the optimal dosage, safety and efficacy of this combination in improving the lives of patients with cancer. '

Art

gerrithenry
(Abbotsford BC CA)
11/24/2025

Hi ART I was anwsering you thanI figgured run it thru PREVIUE but lost it DO I need to do it again or can you retrieve it? GERRIT

gerrithenry
(Abbotsford, BC CA)
11/25/2025

Thanks for the link ART

on the melgel I used 4 oz. of Gin

D reading is in ng/ml

Why the high reading? I was listening to dr.Eric Berg interviewing with Dr.prof. Bruce w. Hollis from MUSC VIT.D3 research (he was called god father of vit.D3research in the early 2000. What I got out of that you needed 200.000+iu to kick auto immune desease to the curb you needed 40.000 + iu per day. Also Dr.Steve Gundry said the same at his clinics he has all his patiens with auto immune disorder on 40000+ . When Eric Berg popped the question what would happen if someone went on High dosis of D3 for 14 days? I was already at 30.000 per day for a week So I figured having the same auto immune disorder why not, so 14 days 40 drops x 2500 is 100.000 iu at breakfast and at supper there you have it.

I have 4 dochters 3 in canada have 100+ d reading but the one in the usa with long cancer and brain tumor is only 80 which was the optium level a decade ago.

By the way I been taking Nattokinise for decades even when it was not permitted to use in Canada.About a year ago I added Serrapeptase@120000su X3 during the night I was afraid that it would eat a way my bovine Heart valve but it didn't seem to happen.

I'm on no meds use lots of supplements and Vits. also use Invermetcin horse paste on my skull at a spot I hit the windshield in auto accident in 1971 as a passenger.Never had the covid vaccine either.

Gerrit

Art
(California)
11/25/2025
2770 posts

Hi Gerrit,

I don't know what "PREVIUE" is? I have never noticed that option on EC. I don't see any other reply from you, so I think your reply has disappeared? I think you may have to do it again.

Art

Art
(California)
11/25/2025
2770 posts

Hi Gerri,

On the melgel, you might try going up to 6 ounces of gin and deduct 2 ounces of the aloe vera gel as 1.5 teaspoons of melatonin powder is likely beyond the solubility limit of 4 ounces of gin. This will give you the same size batch, but likely more potent as more of the melatonin powder will be dissolved.

If it wasn't so expensive, I would use 190 proof ethanol to dissolve the melatonin as I would then be able to easily make a 5% solution as has been used in studies.

I have to admit that I have heard many people on the internet who extol the virtues of ultra high dose vitamin D, but you are the first one I have communicated with who is actually doing it. I have tried it many times over the years starting at 50, 000 iu per day and trying to work my way up from there, but without fail, within a week I start getting kidney pain and have to stop. Well, at least I tried.

What benefit(s) have you gotten from using serrapeptase for about a year? I just started a friend on that one for a cracking voice due to throat congestion and the problem was gone before a week had gone by.

Sounds like you are doing well with no meds and only supplements, long may it remain so!

What benefit have you gotten from the ivermectin paste applied to the area where you had the head injury? Why did you start applying it there in the first place?

Art

gerrithenry
(Abbotsford BC CA)
11/25/2025

Benefits of Serrapeptase?

Well I realy don't know it is supposed to to eat scar tissue and having had 2 hernia operations and the one in the groin done twice so lots of netting put in so you feel a tuck (pain) now and than in those area's.

Invermectin why there? some months ago at the same spot it looked like I was starting to grow a Horn lol a triangle piece of skul of about 1/4 inch I figured. Toke it to My lady Dr. who has taken me under her wings so to speak . She said that is cancer but not a bad one. it came sort of loose and than putting the invermectin on it it came off in short order. The one I'm working on now is not quite ready to come of but at the same spot.

Been wanting to ask WHY are blood groups never mentioned? I'm A neg. GLUTEN free bake my on GF bread.

Gerrit

Art
(California)
11/25/2025
2770 posts

Thank you for the clarifications, Gerrit!

Art


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